Citizens Financial Group has equipped more than 50,000 students across the nation with new backpacks filled with school supplies through its Gear for Grades Program.
Citizens launched the program in 2003 after seeing a need in the community. Since then, the program has sent more than 250,000 children to school with a fresh set of supplies.
During the month of August, Citizens Bank and Charter One employees also volunteered to fill and distribute the backpacks at a nonprofit partner site located in one of the 11 states served. The Ocean State’s designated site was the Back to School Celebration of Rhode Island.
“With the rising cost of school supplies, the Gear for Grades program helps to ease the financial strain parents face this time of year as they prepare to send their children back to school,” said Barbara Cottam, executive vice president and head of corporate affairs for Citizens Financial Group. “We are proud to play a small role in contributing to the academic success of so many local children who return to the classroom ready to learn.” •
